Meet the Newcomers: Declan Murphy

#18 Declan Murphy
Year: Freshman
Position: Utility
Hometown: Tustin, Calif.
High School: Servite HS
Major: Criminology, Law, & Society

Declan Murphy, a six-foot-two utility player from Tustin, California, joins the 'Eaters following a decorated career at Servite High School, where he earned Team MVP, Trinity League Second Team honors in 2025 and 2026, and All-CIF recognition in 2025.

When did you start playing water polo?

I started playing water polo when I was around eight or nine years old.

Did you have a favorite player or anyone you looked up to when you were growing up?

I definitely looked up to my sister. She's actually the reason I started playing water polo. Deirdre, who also goes to UCI, has always been someone I've looked up to.

Why UCI?

I really love Southern California, especially Newport Beach and Irvine. They're great areas with great people, and I love being close to the beach, so that was definitely a plus. I also really liked the atmosphere here.

What are you most looking forward to this season?

I'm really looking forward to getting to know the team, competing and gaining new experiences. I also want to challenge myself and prove to myself that I can do hard things at the college level. College water polo is really demanding, so I'm excited to see what I can accomplish.

What is your favorite thing about UCI so far?

So far, I'd have to say the facilities. Everything is really nice and makes it easy to take care of yourself and improve. I've been using the Anteatery, the pool, the training facilities and the weight room, and the equipment is great. I can also go to the trainers when I'm sore and get some recovery work in, or get help if I have an injury. The facilities are definitely top-notch.

Schedule

Meet the Newcomers: Declan Murphy

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Men's Water Polo versus #17 Santa Clara vs. #18 Navy on Sep 26, 2026 at 9 A.M

Upcoming Event: Men's Water Polo versus #11 LMU on Sep 26, 2026 at 10:20 A.M.

Upcoming Event: Men's Water Polo versus #17 Santa Clara on Sep 26, 2026 at 3 P.M.

Upcoming Event: Men's Water Polo versus #11 LMU vs. #18 Navy on Sep 26, 2026 at 4:20 P.M.

Upcoming Event: Men's Water Polo versus #18 Navy on Sep 27, 2026 at 10 A.M.

Results

Completed Event: Men's Water Polo versus #11 San José State on September 20, 2026 , Win , 15, to, 14 , OT

Completed Event: Men's Water Polo versus #9 UC San Diego on September 19, 2026 , Loss , 9, to, 11

Completed Event: Men's Water Polo versus #4 California on September 19, 2026 , Loss , 8, to, 16

Completed Event: Men's Water Polo versus #6 UC Davis on September 18, 2026 , Win , 14, to, 10

Completed Event: Men's Water Polo at #2 USC on September 12, 2026 , Loss , 15, to, 24

Meet the Newcomers: Declan Murphy

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